Nov 225 min read

Broken Bones & Fractures

Suffering from broken bones or fractures in the workplace is not only physically painful but can also lead to financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages. These injuries are common in high-risk industries but can happen in almost any work environment. At Andrus Law Firm, P.L.C., we understand how challenging the recovery process can be, and we are committed to helping injured workers secure the workers' compensation benefits they need to heal and move forward. Here’s an in-depth look at how we can help you if you’ve suffered from broken bones or fractures on the job.

Understanding Broken Bones & Fractures in the Workplace:

Broken bones and fractures occur when the force exerted on a bone exceeds its strength, causing it to break. These injuries can vary widely in severity, from simple fractures that may only require immobilization to complex fractures that necessitate surgery and rehabilitation. In the workplace, broken bones and fractures are often caused by:

Heavy Machinery Accidents: Workers in construction, manufacturing, and similar industries often operate or work near heavy machinery. Accidents involving these machines can result in severe fractures, especially if a body part becomes crushed or trapped.
Falls from Heights: Falling from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs is one of the leading causes of serious fractures. These falls frequently result in broken arms, legs, hips, or even skull fractures.
Slip and Fall Accidents*: Slips and trips on wet or uneven surfaces can cause workers to fall awkwardly, leading to broken bones. This is especially common in environments where floors are frequently wet or cluttered. (Learn more about preventing these accidents in our article on Slip and Fall Injuries)
Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive for work, particularly in construction, delivery, or warehouse roles, may suffer fractures in vehicle collisions or accidents involving heavy trucks or equipment.
Falling Objects: Workers in environments like warehouses, construction sites, or retail settings are at risk of being struck by falling objects. These impacts can cause severe fractures, particularly to the arms, shoulders, and skull.

*Understanding how slip and fall accidents often result in broken bones and fractures is crucial not just from a health perspective but also from a legal standpoint. These types of injuries frequently involve disputes over liability, with insurance companies sometimes arguing that the fall could have been avoided or was caused by the worker’s negligence. By having a solid grasp of both the medical and legal aspects of slip and fall accidents, you will be better prepared to handle potential challenges in securing workers' compensation for these injuries. (Learn more about preventing these accidents in our article on Slip and Fall Injuries)

Impact of Broken Bones on Your Ability to Work:

The consequences of broken bones and fractures can be far-reaching, often affecting your physical abilities and financial stability. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience:

Extended Recovery Periods: A simple fracture can take weeks to heal, while more complex fractures may require months of recovery, particularly if surgery is needed. During this time, you may be unable to work or perform your usual job duties.
Physical Limitations: Even after the bone has healed, you may experience reduced strength, stiffness, or limited mobility in the affected area. These limitations could prevent you from lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, or performing manual tasks required by your job.
Chronic Pain or Complications: Improper healing or complex fractures may lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or other long-term conditions that could impact your work capacity. In severe cases, broken bones can result in permanent disability, limiting your ability to work in the future.
Financial Strain: The inability to work during recovery can result in a significant loss of income. Coupled with medical bills for surgeries, physical therapy, and other treatments, this can create a substantial financial burden on injured workers and their families.

Challenges in Securing Workers' Compensation for Broken Bones & Fractures:

While broken bones are visible injuries, obtaining workers' compensation benefits is not always straightforward. Workers may encounter several challenges, including:

Delayed Reporting or Filing of Claims: It is essential to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and file a workers' compensation claim in a timely manner. Delayed reporting can lead to disputes over the cause of the injury, giving the employer or insurance company grounds to deny the claim.
Pressure to Return to Work Too Soon: Some employers or insurance companies may pressure injured workers to return to their job before they are fully healed. This can lead to further injury and complicate your recovery. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine when it is safe to return.
Disputes Over the Severity of the Injury: Even with visible evidence of broken bones, insurance companies may attempt to downplay the severity of the injury or argue that the injury does not significantly impair your ability to work. These disputes can reduce the amount of compensation you receive, particularly for long-term care or rehabilitation.
Denial of Long-Term Benefits: Insurance companies may cover immediate medical expenses but deny claims for ongoing treatments like physical therapy or long-term care for complications such as chronic pain or limited mobility. Proving the need for these extended benefits can be challenging without strong medical documentation and legal advocacy.

How Andrus Law Firm, P.L.C. Can Help:

At Andrus Law Firm, P.L.C., we understand the complex legal and medical challenges that come with securing workers' compensation for broken bones and fractures. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding injured workers through the process and fighting for the full range of benefits they are entitled to. Here’s how we can assist you:

Thorough Case Review and Evidence Collection: We begin by conducting a comprehensive review of your case, including gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other documentation that supports your claim. We ensure that your injury and its impact on your ability to work are thoroughly documented.
Working with Medical Experts: We collaborate with medical professionals who can provide detailed diagnoses and expert opinions regarding the severity of your injury, the necessary treatments, and the expected recovery time. This medical evidence is crucial in securing appropriate compensation for long-term care.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Our team has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies that may attempt to minimize or deny workers' compensation claims. We will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure that you receive compensation for all medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and any long-term care needs.
Representation in Hearings and Appeals: If your claim is denied or disputed, we will represent you in any hearings or appeals, advocating for your rights and ensuring that your case is presented with strong legal arguments and expert testimony.
Securing Long-Term Benefits: For complex fractures that require extended treatment, rehabilitation, or cause permanent disabilities, we will fight to secure long-term workers' compensation benefits, including coverage for ongoing medical treatments, future wage loss, and vocational rehabilitation.

Contact Us Today:

If you have suffered from broken bones or fractures due to a workplace accident, you don’t have to face the workers' compensation process alone. Andrus Law Firm, P.L.C. is here to help you secure the benefits you deserve. Call us today at 810-694-3006 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case.